St Austell and Newquay’s Member of Parliament Steve Double MP has welcomed news that there are 92 more doctors, nurses and other patient care staff working in general practice in the St Austell and Newquay constituency since 2019. This includes roles such as dispensers, health care assistants, phlebotomists, pharmacists, physiotherapists, podiatrists, therapists and others.
Commenting, Steve said:
“There are an estimated 23,000 more patient care staff working in general practice in constituencies across England than in 2019, and I am pleased to see figures released today by the Department of Health and Social Care show this national outcome is reflected in St Austell and Newquay.”
“While the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is still being felt, with unprecedented levels of demand, in particular with the pressures and challenges many face in getting an appointment, I am pleased local GPs have been able to recruit more staff in order to meet this demand.”
“I am reassured that we have so many dedicated front line staff working in general practice in our constituency, and will continue to do all I can to ensure this number continues to grow.”
As laid out in the Government’s Plan for Patients in September 2022, good primary care is the foundation of an effective health system for patients and is the way that most people experience the NHS. Improving general practice supports the early identification of serious illnesses and the management of chronic conditions, while also helping people to live healthier lives. Getting patients in to see their GP, practice nurse or other clinical professional is at the heart of this plan.
The Plan for Patients set out the government’s commitment to improving general practice and using transparent data to inform and empower patients. A modelling approach has enabled estimates of staff at the level of parliamentary constituencies to be given for the first time.